Just weeks before the whistle blows for the commencement of the highly anticipated Euro Cup 2024 in Germany, the France national team suffers a critical setback. Mike Maignan, the first-choice goalkeeper for both the national team and his club Milan, faces a daunting battle with a right adductor injury. The unfortunate revelation came directly from Milan this Monday.

The Implications for Club and Country

With the Euro Cup scheduled between June 14 and July 14, Milan's medical team announced that a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan conducted on Maignan showed a lesion in his right long adductor muscle. The extent of his absence remains cloaked in uncertainty as the club prepares for another set of assessments next week. This injury not only affects Milan's stalwart Stefano Pioli but also casts a shadow on Didier Deschamps' roster plans for the upcoming international showcase. The definitive list of the players recruited for the Euro Cup horizon is expected to be publicized on May 16.

A Precarious Situation for Les Bleus

Maignan, who was instrumental in France reaching the finals in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, stands as the guardian of Les Bleus' goalpost, succeeding the now-retired Hugo Lloris. His condition now propels Brice Samba and Alphonse Areola into the spotlight as they gear up to stake their claim between the sticks. Although remaining second in Serie A, Milan's campaign is plagued by a staggering 19-point gap behind newly crowned champions Inter. Amidst this challenge, Milan is set to encounter Genoa in their forthcoming Serie A appearance.

Moreover, France is positioned alongside the Netherlands, Poland, and Austria in Group D of the Euro Cup, with their first match against Austria tailored for June 17. Maignan's injury intertwines with uncertainty and hope as the French team endeavors to rally in the face of adversity.

What's Next for the 'Bleus'?

With the stakes towering as the tournament nears, France’s hunt for their ideal custodian becomes pivotal. The echoes of Maignan's absence will resonate until clarity on his recovery timeline emerges, leaving a suspense-filled void as to who will step into the colossal boots left by the world-class shot-stopper. A nation holds its breath, hoping for a swift recovery or another hero to rise from the ranks, keeping their Euro Cup dreams alive.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova